When a loved one passes away, settling their estate involves more than just emotional closure—it also requires careful financial and legal steps. One of the most important of these is obtaining a Date of Death (DOD) appraisal, which determines the fair market value of a property as of the decedent’s date of passing. In a rural-luxury area like Santa Rosa Valley, where properties often feature expansive lots, equestrian facilities, and custom-built homes, a professional and locally informed appraisal is essential for probate, estate tax filings, and equitable distribution of real estate.
Pacific Home Appraisers provides certified, USPAP-compliant Date of Death appraisals in Santa Rosa Valley, trusted by attorneys, accountants, trustees, and families navigating the estate process.
A Date of Death appraisal, also called a retrospective appraisal, determines the value of a property based on real estate market conditions at the time the property owner passed away. Rather than reflecting current values, it uses historical sales data from the applicable date.
In Santa Rosa Valley, where estate homes may sit on multiple acres with custom amenities, agricultural use, or private equestrian trails, each appraisal requires in-depth local knowledge and a thorough analysis of land use, zoning, and luxury features.
1. IRS and Estate Tax Compliance If the estate exceeds federal exemption thresholds, the IRS requires a certified appraisal when submitting Form 706. A Date of Death appraisal ensures accurate, audit-proof reporting.
2. Step-Up in Basis for Inherited Property A DOD appraisal provides documentation of the property’s fair market value at the time of death. This updated basis helps reduce capital gains taxes if the property is later sold by heirs.
3. Fair Distribution Among Heirs When an estate includes multiple beneficiaries, a certified third-party valuation helps ensure the division of real estate is fair—especially when one heir retains the property and others are compensated.
4. Probate and Trust Requirements Ventura County probate courts require USPAP-compliant appraisals to verify the value of estate assets. A certified DOD appraisal meets this requirement and provides the documentation needed for trust accounting and asset transfers.
You will need a DOD appraisal if:
You are an executor, administrator, or trustee of an estate with property in Santa Rosa Valley
The estate includes residential, ranch, or equestrian real estate
You are filing IRS Form 706 for estate tax
The property is being retained, sold, gifted, or divided among heirs
You are working with a CPA or estate attorney on estate or trust planning
You need to establish a stepped-up basis for capital gains tax purposes
1. Property Evaluation We review the property’s size, acreage, condition, layout, upgrades, land use, zoning, and unique features such as equestrian amenities, vineyards, or custom construction. If the home is not accessible, we reconstruct its profile using MLS history, aerial imagery, and public records.
2. Historical Market Research We identify comparable properties that sold around the date of death. In Santa Rosa Valley, this includes rural estates, large-lot properties, and custom homes in similar subdivisions or open land zones.
3. Sales Comparison Approach The appraiser adjusts comparable sales based on land size, views, construction quality, and amenities to develop a credible value as of the decedent’s date of death.
4. USPAP-Compliant Report The final report meets all Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice requirements and is accepted by the IRS, courts, legal professionals, and financial institutions.
In addition to Date of Death appraisals, Pacific Home Appraisers provides:
Divorce Appraisals – Certified, impartial valuations for property division
Expert Witness Appraisals – Litigation support and testimony for disputes involving real estate value
Appraisals for Any Intended Use – Including estate planning, gifting, pre-listing, refinancing, and property tax appeals
Each appraisal is tailored to reflect the complexities of Santa Rosa Valley’s residential and rural market.
Santa Rosa Valley is known for its serene atmosphere, large properties, and high-value rural living. With homes featuring acreage, private water systems, and equestrian zoning, valuing properties in this area requires more than basic appraisal knowledge.
With over 5,000 completed assignments, Pacific Home Appraisers provides:
Turnaround within five to seven business days
Rush delivery available within forty-eight hours of inspection
Reports accepted by probate courts, the IRS, attorneys, and CPAs
Dedicated support and communication throughout the entire process
Can a DOD appraisal be completed long after the owner’s passing Yes. Retrospective appraisals can be done at any time using sales data from the relevant date.
Is a DOD appraisal needed if the property will not be sold Yes. The appraisal is still required to establish the stepped-up basis and to meet probate and IRS filing requirements.
Can I use the tax assessor’s value instead of a certified appraisal No. Assessor values are not based on market data and are not accepted for estate tax filings or probate. A certified appraisal is required.
If you’re handling a trust, probate, or estate settlement in Santa Rosa Valley, count on Pacific Home Appraisers for timely, certified, and court-compliant valuation services.
Call 818-880-1466 Email kiani105@yahoo.com Visit www.pacifichomeappraisers.com